Medical Assistance (Medicaid/MA) Program

How to Apply

You can apply for Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid and MA) online at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov, by mail or fax, or you may file in person at a regional office location based on your zip code. Applicants are seen on a walk-in basis.

Please see the first question in the FAQ section below for more information about where to apply based on your zip code.

Individuals who wish to apply but do not speak English or have limited English proficiency will have access to an interpreter. The interpreter may be a local department staff member, an individual designated by the applicant, an individual outside the agency who is proficient in the customer’s language, or the department can use the Language Line. An interpreter cannot be a minor child.

Documents To Bring

In general, the following documents are needed:

Proof of identity

Social Security number (not the Social Security Card)

Proof of residence

Proof of income

Proof of citizenship or immigration status for non-U.S. born applicants

Other information may be required once the interview has been completed

Eligibility Requirements

The Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid or MA) program provides health care benefits to eligible county residents. With the start of the Affordable Care Act in 2013, Maryland was one of the states that expanded eligibility for Medical Assistance. The coverage groups for Medical Assistance are as follows:

Families and Children: Federally matched Medical Assistance is provided to families and children under age 21 meeting specific income levels. A family’s gross income and assets are considered in determining eligibility.

Pregnant Women: Federally matched Medical Assistance is provided to pregnant women meeting specific income levels. Newborns of mothers with coverage at the time of the birth receive coverage automatically for one year if they reside with the mother. The mother continues to receive coverage for 60 days following the birth of the child.

Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP): Federally matched Medical Assistance is provided for children up to age 19. Income levels allowed depend on the age of the child.

Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD): Federally matched Medical Assistance is provided to aged (65 years or older), blind or disabled individuals. Income and assets are taken into consideration. Benefits are available to persons younger than 65 if they have a disability, as defined either by a review team or based on the fact that they receive Social Security. Those eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Medical Assistance.

Medicare Beneficiary Program: Those eligible for Medicare may receive coverage for payment of premiums if their income is within specific limits through the Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB). Coverage may also be provided for Medicare deductibles and co-pays through the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB).

Fees and Payments

None

FAQ's

1. Where should I apply?

Applicants are encouraged to contact an office location based on their zip code. See the listing of those zip codes (below) that correspond to each office.

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Policies

Translation

The Google Translate Tool is displayed dynamically on Montgomery County web pages using a Google javascript function. The function is used to translate County web pages into different languages. However, the Google function displays a drop-down menu form field (with no label) and a Google logo image which has no alt tag. Google is aware of this issue.